Abstract
This research provides insight into current te reo Maori (the Indigenous language of Aotearoa, New Zealand) use in English-medium ECE settings. We videoed naturalistic conversations between kaiako (educators) and tamariki (aged 15-28 months) at 24 English-medium BestStart ECE centres. Te reo Maori was quantitatively assessed across five routines: kai (food) time, book time, group time, free play, and nappy change. The highest rates of te reo Maori use per minute were observed during the kai time, book time, and group time routines, respectively, and lowest during free play and nappy change. Although scripted/prepared te reo Maori use (e.g. karakia and waiata; prayer and song) were well used, opportunities for more complex and elaborate te reo Maori use remain. This research provides insight into the current use of te reo Maori in English-medium ECE settings, an enhanced understanding of kaiako contributions to te reo Maori revitalisation goals, and applications for practice.